The mantra for this year’s NAMM Show, to be held Jan. 23–26 in Anaheim, Calif., is “amplify.” And the organization is doing exactly that, especially when it comes to connecting its members with their peers.

“NAMM member retailers will find more networking opportunities than ever, starting with the opening Block Party in the Grand Plaza on Wednesday, a revised musical lineup in the Hilton and Marriott lobby bars that will make it more comfortable to hang out and visit in the evening, and a larger Member Center in the entrance to the Convention Center to provide personalized service to our dealers,” said Joe Lamond, President and CEO. “The NAMM Board has really emphasized the importance of creating these opportunities. They felt it was one of the most important things we could do to make our members feel welcome and increase their productivity at the show.”

Session-Packed Show
No matter what your MI niche is, Lamond said there will be something for everyone at this year’s show.

“Between the Breakfast Sessions, the Idea Center and the HOT Zone, the NAMM University team has covered all the bases,” he said.

One not-to-miss event happens on Wednesday, Jan. 22, the day before the show starts — the extensive one-day Retail Boot Camp.

This show’s installment cuts straight to the challenges of running a music store in this age of technology. Attendees will gather ideas to succeed in this constantly evolving environment. Speakers include Nick Failla, founder of business consulting firm Collected Concepts; Michael Newman, MI product and marketing expert; and Alan Friedman and Daniel Jobe, CPAs with Friedman, Kannenberg & Co.

“Without trying to sound melodramatic, I feel that NAMM 2014 will be one of the most important industry gatherings in memory,” Lamond said. “The advancement of music technology is fueling a recovery in many areas of the music business, from recorded music (which has been in a 10-year slump) to the use of music in games, film and in virtually every other media possible.
“In addition, I believe music education is evolving and expanding its borders to teach a new generation of tech-savvy students. Creative artists and educators are using our members’ products to feed this wave of demand, and smart entrepreneurs are eager to find new and innovative ways to serve this market. Going to The NAMM Show will give our members the best possible advantage to compete in this changing marketplace.” MI